those glorious moments spent with GM Kidambi Sundararajan !!!

For the die hard Cricket  fan, 11.7.2026 was not good -  Shreyas Iyer  had close to the worst possible start to his captaincy career losing  all six completed matches, including losing to Ireland for the first time in international cricket - 2-0 in the series - then 4-0 against England.  

 

At Triplicane (for SYMA) it was a great day – our Educational Aid function and this a post on a sweet, humble Sports person who by his demenour gave us very pleasant feelings..  ..  not often one could sit near and converse with a Grand Master !!

 

Chess is not a battle between black and white pieces; it is a dialogue between two minds. Victory belongs not always to the more intelligent, but often to the wiser. Intelligence discovers possibilities; wisdom chooses the right one. That is why chess has long been regarded as a game of wisdom rather than merely a game of intellect.  The game encompasses – shrewdness, thinking ahead,  understanding that every move has consequences; there can be sacrifice for a greater goal, one needs to be patient rather than impulsive; learn from mistakes and always look beyond the obvious.   

"Every Grandmaster has mastered the sixty-four squares; the truly great also win hearts with their simplicity. A cherished moment with Grandmaster Kidambi Sundararajan, where the conversation was far more memorable than the photograph itself." 

A Grandmaster's mind is not merely one that remembers openings or calculates variations. It is a mind that sees possibilities where others see only positions.  

To the casual observer, chess is a game of sixty-four squares. To a Grandmaster, it is a universe of ideas, patterns and subtle decisions. It is this ability to perceive order amidst complexity that distinguishes an exceptional player from an ordinary one.

 

Among Indian chess circles, Kidambi Sundararajan is admired not only for becoming a Grandmaster but also for his humility, patience, and willingness to mentor younger players. Those who have met him often remark on his approachable nature and thoughtful personality—qualities that seem to come through in your photograph as well.

 

Kidambi Sundararajan became India's 19th Grandmaster in 2009. Since then, Indian chess has grown at an extraordinary pace. Today, India has nearly 100 Grandmasters, including prodigies such as R. Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Vaishali. Players like Kidambi belong to the generation that bridged the era between Viswanathan Anand's pioneering success and India's emergence as a true chess powerhouse. 

A Grandmaster (GM) is the highest regular title awarded to chess players by the FIDE (the International Chess Federation). It is a lifetime title and is recognized worldwide as a mark of exceptional chess skill. The official Grandmaster (GM) title was introduced by FIDE in 1950.  Before 1950, the term grandmaster was used informally to describe the world's strongest players. There were no universal rules or official certification.  Interestingly, the first Grandmasters did not have to earn "GM norms", because those qualification rules did not yet exist. 

The first Indian to be awarded the title of Grandmaster (GM) was Viswanathan Anand. He achieved the title in 1988, at the age of 18, becoming a pioneer for Indian chess.  Before Vish Anand, Manuel Aaron became India's first International Master (IM) in 1961

 

The Man of the post Kidambi Sundararajan, born in 1982  is exceptionally talented – his  journey to the GM title included earning three Grandmaster norms:

•       July 2005 – Canadian Open International Chess Tournament (1st GM norm)

•       August 2008 – Badalona International Open, Spain (2nd GM norm)

•       May 2009 – Dubai Open (3rd and final GM norm)

After completing the required norms and satisfying the rating requirement, FIDE officially awarded him the Grandmaster title in 2009.   He attained his peak FIDE rating: 2526 (January 2010). 

 

In the first round of the 2018 Chess.com Isle of Man International, GM Sundararajan Kidambi was paired against Vladimir Kramnik, the 14th World Chess Champion, whose rating was over 300 Elo points higher. Most expected Kramnik to win comfortably.  Sundararajan had the white pieces and chose the English Opening; exerted pressure on Kramnik's queenside.        As the game progressed into the endgame, the advantage dissipated and Kramnik began pressing with an extra pawn.     Despite Kramnik's superb endgame technique, Kidambi defended accurately for 77 moves, eventually securing a hard-earned draw in an opposite-coloured bishop endgame.   

In case you wonder, what is great -     Kramnik is one of the greatest chess players in history. He defeated Garry Kasparov in 2000 to become World Champion and is regarded as one of the finest positional players and endgame experts ever. Sundararajan was not merely defending from the start—he actually had the initiative in the early middlegame before the game equalized. For many Indian fans, that game symbolized Kidambi's ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best. 

The rivalry between Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik is one of the greatest and most evenly balanced in modern chess history.  Overall they played 93 matches – with 71 draws each had 11 wins. Their most famous encounter was the World Chess Championship 2008 in Bonn, Germany. 

Yesterday at NKT National Girls High School, SYMA conducted its annual Educational aid function.  Mr Sandeep Somani, Vice-President – Finance & Company Secrerary, Prodapt Solutions Pvt Ltd;  Mr M Balasubramaniam, Director – Mangal Tirth Estates Pvt Ltd & Sri Kidambi Sundararajan, Grand Master (Chess) were the Guests of honour.  

 

As  Sri Kidambi Sundararajan walked in – almost half an hour before the scheduled start, his humility and the way he spoke us to all was delightful. He is a genius in every sense of the word - Chess teaches one to think before moving; writing teaches one to think before speaking. GM Kidambi Sundararajan appears to have mastered both. His games exhibit clarity of calculation; his writings exhibit clarity of thought. One engages the intellect, the other the reader's mind. 

During our conversation, I found not merely a Grandmaster of chess, but a gentleman of quiet humility. It is often said that true greatness carries little noise. In GM Kidambi Sundararajan, one finds an accomplished player whose intellect is matched by simplicity and grace.  

The audience consisting of School and College students and elderly people was enthralled by the speeches of the distinguished Guests and for sure each one of them would savour those special moments with the Genius, genial personality – Kidambi Sundararajan  

For me the few minutes spent with him are really, really inspiring, enlightening, moments worthy of remembrance ever.  Thank you Sir !!  

Regards – S Sampathkumar

12.7.2026

  

Triplicane Vyasaraja Mutt illuminated

Sosale is an ancient village on the banks of holy Cauvery River near its confluence with the Kabini River, in Mysore district.  Vyasaraya Mutt has a branch at Thiruvallikkeni situate at East Tank Square street adjacent to Thiruvadi Kovil. (Kulakkarai Hanuman temple). The Mutt has a marriage hall too

A photo of beautifully lit Vyasaraja mutt and its reflection on temple pond – Kairavini thirukkulam taken in 2022

SYMA Seva Award 2026 - the highly learned Dr. I Manavalan

 

In this beautiful world, there are beautiful people – and if your senses are open, perhaps one could sight one such person closer by ! .. .. Triplicane has some !!. .. . 

How many of us truly enjoyed learning? How many pursued higher education out of sheer love for knowledge rather than for marks or employment? For many students today, education becomes a race for examinations, rankings and careers. In that process, the joy of learning is often lost.

கற்றல் இனிமையானதா அல்லது சுமையா !! - மதிப்பெண்களுக்கு மட்டுமே முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுத்து, போட்டியிட்டு  படித்தால் கற்றலைச் சுமையாக்குகிறது. பெற்றோர்களின் எதிர்பார்ப்பு மற்றும் சக மாணவர்களுடன் ஒப்பிடுதல் ஆகியவை தேவையற்ற மன அழுத்தத்தை உருவாக்குகின்றன.

 

The man of the post seen in this photo is not a common Man –  he  is a highly accomplished educationist with an impressive array of academic qualifications. 

His qualifications for sure would not fit in a board as they read :  MSc Zoology; MPhil Zoology, Med Education; MPhil Education; MA English, MSc Yoga, MSc Psychology; PhD Education.   Individually, these qualifications would demand well over fifteen years of higher education after school. To pursue them while simultaneously serving as a teacher speaks volumes about his extraordinary commitment to learning. Remarkably, he is only 45 !! 

To most of you, Srinivas Youngmens Association (SYMA) Triplicane would need no introduction.  SYMA has been rendering service to Society from 1977 and in a few days it is 50.  SYMA runs  a medical facility popularly ‘Rendu roova hospital’ since 1989 and a Tuition centre (SYMA Growth) providing quality educational assistance, free to students since 2008.   

July is a very important month for SYMA - our Educational Aid function, was today (11.7.2026)  at NKT National Girls High School.   Mr Sandeep Somani, Vice-President – Finance & Company Secrerary, Prodapt Solutions Pvt Ltd;  Mr M Balasubramaniam, Director – Mangal Tirth Estates Pvt Ltd & Sri Kidambi Sundararajan, Grand Master (Chess) were the Guests of honour.  

In the Educational Aid function, we provide uniforms to around 1200 school students, honour the school toppers of Triplicane, financial award to select College students and present SYMA Seva award.   As a Social Service Organisation, we deem it our duty to identify and honour those individuals who had rendered great service to the society.   

 

This year, the recipient of Syma Seva Award is Dr. I. Manavalan, Graduate Assistant in Govt Higher Secondary School, Thirupulivanam, Uthiramerur.   

He is a well-known personality who has consistently been at the forefront of selfless service by conducting tuition classes, mentoring and nurturing underprivileged students, donating blood, rendering various forms of social service, and extending a helping hand to those in need. His passion for education, reflected in his multiple academic degrees and doctorate in Education, his dedicated service as a teacher, and his untiring efforts in coaching students in his locality, is truly praiseworthy. He has also been one of the pillars of Sriraj Educational Trust, playing a vital role in carrying forward the lofty ideals of Mr. Sriraj and inspiring the younger generation. 

His discipline, methodical approach, organisational ability, and relentless pursuit of noble ideals are exemplary. SYMA considers him an outstanding role model and is proud to confer upon him the “SYMA Seva Award 2026” in recognition of his exceptional contributions towards the upliftment of the underprivileged through educational support, social service, and his enduring commitment to the welfare of society. 

He has been rendering social service, more specifically Educational service for couple of decades now.   He has been guiding and mentoring students for NMMSS -   The National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme  that  provides meritorious students from economically weaker sections with financial support.  He is conducting free tuitions for School toppers and other children.   He has been rightfully decorated as a member of the Tamil Nadu Text Book Society for Std 6-8 in Science, recognizing his efficiency in Science teaching.    

We pray to Lord Srinivasa to bestow on him and his family -  long life, good health, happiness, and continued vigour  enabling continuance of  his noble service to society for many more years to come.  Individuals like Dr. Manavalan are rare. They enrich society not merely through their scholarship but through the lives they transform. Such people deserve our highest admiration and respect. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmc8HOjCfyc

 

அறிவின் பரவசம் (Joy of Learning): ஒருவர் தாம் உயர் கல்வி படிப்பதனால்  அடையும் இன்பம், உலக மக்களுக்கும் சென்று சேருவதைக் கற்றவர்கள் காண்கிறார்கள். அந்த அறிவின் மூலம் மற்றவர்களின் அறியாமை அகல்வதைப் பார்ப்பது, அவர்களுக்கு மேலும் கற்க வேண்டும் என்ற பேராவலைத் தருகிறது.  நயம்பட  கற்றவர்கள் சுயநலவாதிகள் அல்லர்.  அவர்கள்  தாங்கள் பெற்ற அறிவு உலகத்தாரை நல்வழிப்படுத்துவதைக் கண்டு மகிழ்வர். அத்தகையோர்க்கு  பிறரின் அறியாமை நீங்குவது அவர்களுக்குப் பேரின்பம் தரும். இதோ செந்நாப்போதார் திருவள்ளுவரின் வாக்கு :

 

தாமின் புறுவது உலகின் புறக்கண்டு

காமுறுவர் கற்றறிந் தார். 

தாம் இன்புறுவதற்குக் காரணமான கல்வியால் உலகமும் இன்புறுவதைக் கண்டு, கற்றறிந்த அறிஞர் மேன்மேலும் (அக் கல்வியையே) விரும்புவர்.  இருண்ட அறையில் விளக்கேற்றும்போது இருள் விலகுவது போல, புதிய அறிவைப் பெறும்போது மனதில் உள்ள குழப்பங்களும் அறியாமையும் நீங்கி தெளிவு பிறக்கிறது. இந்தத் தெளிவு தரும் நிம்மதியே முதன்மையான பரவசம். 

It is perhaps fitting that a teacher devoted to spreading the light of knowledge serves in the historic village of Thirupulivanam, home to the ancient Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple where Sage Vyaghrapada worshipped Lord Shiva. May that sacred land continue to inspire his noble mission. 

Regards – S Sampathkumar
11.7.2026

A tale of two flying machines !!

 

A tale of two - "One waits for the runway. The other carries its runway above its head." 

A few years ago, at  Tribhuvan International Airport, the small plane was waiting to take-off and the window offered this wonderful view of so many helicopters with one flying nearer !!  - it is interesting to know that this  airport was originally named called Gauchaur Airport !  In Nepali, "Gauchaur" refers to a place where cows graze. 

Two flying machines ! but different.  The helicopter and the aeroplane both fly by generating lift, but they achieve it in fundamentally different ways. One flies by rotating its wings, the other by moving its wings through the air. 

Imagine a ceiling fan whose blades are shaped like aircraft wings. As the main rotor spins, each blade behaves like a tiny wing. Air moves faster over the curved top surface than underneath, creating lift. By changing the pitch (angle) of the blades, the pilot controls: lift, forward, backward motion, sideways movement and can take off vertically, hover, fly sideways and can even move backwards, besides landed in small spaces.   

An aeroplane has fixed wings that do not move. Its engines provide thrust, pushing the aircraft forward.  Unlike a helicopter, an aeroplane must keep moving forward to continue flying. 

Aeroplanes cannot hover – when its engines are   running while it is stationary – they produce plenty of thrust, but since there is almost no airflow over the wings, the wings cannot generate enough lift. The aircraft remains on the ground.  A helicopter, however, creates its own airflow with its spinning rotor blades, allowing it to hover even without moving forward. 

Centuries ago, the brilliant inventor Daedalus and his young son Icarus were imprisoned by King Minos on the island of Crete. Since the sea was guarded, escape seemed impossible. 

Daedalus devised an extraordinary plan. He collected feathers from birds, arranged them from small to large, and fastened them together with thread and beeswax, creating two pairs of magnificent wings. Before they took flight, Daedalus gave his son one simple but vital warning: "Do not fly too low, for the sea's spray will soak the feathers. Do not fly too high, for the Sun's heat will melt the wax. Follow the middle path."

Together they rose into the sky, soaring like birds over the sparkling Mediterranean. At first, Icarus obeyed. But the exhilaration of flying overcame him. Feeling invincible, he climbed higher and higher, intoxicated by the freedom of the heavens. As he neared the blazing Sun, the wax holding his wings together softened and melted. One by one, the feathers drifted away. Frantically beating his bare arms, Icarus plunged into the sea below and drowned. 

Daedalus, heartbroken, continued alone and later buried his son on a nearby island. The sea where Icarus fell came to be known as the Icarian Sea. The myth has survived for over 2,500 years because it speaks to every generation. It is not a warning against dreaming big, but a grim reminder that ambition must be balanced with wisdom.   

Today, the phrase "flying too close to the Sun" is used to describe someone whose overconfidence or unchecked ambition leads to their downfall. For photographers, pilots, scientists, entrepreneurs—and indeed all of us—the story of Icarus is a timeless reminder: 

"Dream high enough to fly, but remain wise enough to return safely."

 
Interesting !
 
Regards – S Sampathkumar
11.7.2026